McGladrey LLP, the nation's fifth largest provider of assurance, tax and consulting services, has released its fourth annual survey of private equity (PE) executives, which shows that amid difficult economic conditions, firms have become increasingly focused on improving strategy and operations at their portfolio companies as a means of creating value. In fact, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of firms reported that they have generally increased employment at their portfolio companies, contradicting recent, widespread sentiment that PE firms are 'job killers.'